Boating Leads to Healther, Happier Children
Family Togetherness is Key to Boating’s Benefits

CHICAGO –

The results of recent surveys on the benefits of boating may hold water for many parents.

These surveys, conducted by Impulse Research Corporation for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and a study by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), found that boating can be a positive experience for children in more ways than one. Boating can contribute to kids being healthier both physically and psychologically.

It seems that everywhere you look there is an increased focus on enjoying the outdoors with your family. People are hungry to learn more about outdoor activities and classes. Not surprisingly, a recent survey by the RBFF showed that over one-third of all Americans believe fishing and boating are the best ways to spend quality time with their families. The same national survey found that 87 percent of those surveyed think fishing and boating effect family relationships in a positive way.

The findings of these surveys suggest that boating can be a way to increase children’s physical fitness, spirit of team play, optimism and self-confidence.

“Children who enjoy boating with their families have the door open to myriad related activities such as fishing, waterskiing and tubing,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich, “So it makes sense that these kids might rank higher on a variety of physical and psychological fronts. In a 2002 survey, a full two-thirds of boaters surveyed said that boating had drawn their family closer together, so we weren’t surprised that the children of boaters tend to be healthier and happier than the average.”

Involving children in boating also appears to promote active involvement in other recreational activities, such as camping, football, baseball and hiking.

Families that boat reported their children to be healthier than those that don’t (71% of boaters said their children’s health was excellent, as opposed to 61% of non-boaters). While it might seem obvious that boating can promote good health as part of a healthy lifestyle, what many people found interesting was that boating can also help children psychologically.

Children who boat learn to be more outgoing and less shy or introverted, which may be one reason they become better team players (63% compared to 53%).

The survey also found that children who boat tend to be more optimistic (52% to 43%).

Since boating helps children learn a range of useful skills and positive attitudes, it can help increase their self-confidence. The survey found that children who boat are more self-confident (54% to 47%) than their peers. That may also explain why boaters’ children (75% to 65%) tend to be the leader more often than other children.

The research concluded that there are many benefits to getting children involved in boating, and learning about them may prompt more parents to take their families on board.

“This survey and the results are tremendous and only solidifies what we thought all along based on anecdotal evidence,” said Dammrich. “Getting kids off the sofa and off of a daily diet of video games and computers and into healthy family activities like boating help to make them healthier and happier.”

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce over 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

Reprinted with permission from National Marine Manufacturers Association

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